Happy New Year!

It's 2016 - the start of a brand new year, a time for new beginnings, and for some, a time to make some resolutions.

Why not start off with an easy one and get your tree out on the curb for the annual Christmas tree pick up happening January 9.

Once again the City is working with local community groups to provide a Christmas tree pick-up service. On Saturday January 9th between 8:30am and 4:00pm four community groups will pick up any natural Christmas trees, with decorations removed,  placed at the curb within city limits.

The four community groups have volunteered to provide this service are: Grad Fest & Prom Committee from North Peace Secondary, Scouts Canada and the Northern Dance Theatre Society will each take a quadrant of the city and spend the day collecting trees.

The groups will drop the trees off at the old Visitor Centre site on the corner of 100th Street and 96th Avenue where the City will collect them and take them to be chipped and composted. Tree chipping is provided by VRE Tree Removal. Residents may also take the trees directly to the drop off site starting January 10th up until January 29th.

The pick-up service is weather dependent. In the event there are severe weather conditions the pick-up will be postponed until January 16th.


Not your kind of thing? Perhaps you would be interested in some of the upcoming programs the city has to offer. Check out everything below and something might just catch your eye.

Here's to a wonderful new year!
Pool Programs NPLP
To check out all the details or to register for programs, click HERE

Seniors Swim & Tea 
Seniors 65+, this is the day for you. On January 26 from 10:30am - 12:00pm you can drop into the pool for just $2 and enjoy lap swim or the hot spots, and when you get out there will be tea provided.

Tween Night

Tweens ages 8 - 11 can drop into the pool from 7:30pm - 8:45pm for Tween night on January 28! Drop in is only $2 on this special tween only night, so don't forget to put it on your calendar.
Important: Regular programming (including public swim/lap swim/aquafit) is CANCELLED from 7:30pm - 10:00pm for this event.

Teen Night
Teens ages 12 - 18 are invited to the pool from 8:45pm - 10:00pm on January 28. Admission is just $2 and only teens can attend.
Important: Regular programming (including public swim/lap swim/aquafit) is CANCELLED from 7:30pm - 10:00pm for this event.

To check out more of our upcoming pool programs, click HERE

Junior Lifeguard Club
 
Has your child reached Level 5 or higher in the Red Cross swim lessons? Are they looking for new and exciting ways to be safe and active around the water? Kids learn attitudes and skills that could one day save a life their life, or someone else. The Junior Lifeguard Club (JLC) is designed to let kids participate in activities similar to those of real lifeguards in a safe, fun and controlled setting. But just as important, kids experience teamwork and a sense of belonging. They become part of a club, the Junior Lifeguard Club.
Date: Begins January 4
Important: Please check out the prerequisites for this program prior to enrolling!

Bronze Medallion/Cross Course

Interested in getting on the path to become a lifeguard? Candidates develop proficiency at performing patient assessments, managing aquatic spinal injuries, and preventing the loss of life in a variety of aquatic emergencies, while developing stroke endurance and fitness training skills.Bronze Cross includes the CPR-C certification and is one of the prerequisite awards for all advanced Lifeguarding and Leadership training programs. Bronze Cross is also worth 2 Grade 11 High School Credits.
Date: Begins January 6
Important: Please check out the prerequisites for this program prior to enrolling!

Home Alone
This program is designed to provide children 9 to 11 years of age with the necessary skills and knowledge to be safe and responsible when home alone for short periods of time. It will help them understand how to prevent problems, handle real-life situations, and keep them safe and constructively occupied.
Date: February 13

Lifesaving Instructor
Lifesaving Instructors are trained to teach and evaluate Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and Distinction. Candidates are introduced to basic learning approaches and teaching strategies and apply them to teaching water rescue, first aid, and other lifesaving skills. Instructor candidates also learn about long-range and short-term planning, class management, safety supervision, and the principles of evaluation.
Date: Begins February 21
Important: Please check out the prerequisites for this program prior to enrolling!

Babysitting Course
This program is designed to provide children 11 to 15 years of age with the necessary skills and knowledge to be safe and responsible when home alone for short periods of time. It will help them understand how to prevent problems, handle real-life situations, and keep them safe and constructively occupied.
Date: March 12

National Lifeguard
The National Lifeguard - Pool certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. The NLS course emphasizes the life guarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes which will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.
Date: Begins March 16
Important: Please check out the prerequisites for this program prior to enrolling!

To get more information about our upcoming courses, click HERE

Yoga Fitness Blitz with Naomi
Short on time? Come and squeeze into a yoga fitness session that will leave you energized and ready to finish off your day. Registration is required, so sign up today.
Date: January 4 - January 27
Time: Mondays & Wednesdays from 12:10pm - 12:50pm OR 4:45pm - 5:30pm (these are two different classes)

Yoga Fitness Bare Essentials with Kimberly
This class works on yoga poses while improving your flexibility, strength, and balance before ending with a few moments of relaxation. Registration is required.
Date: January 4 - January 27
Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:30pm - 2:30pm 

For more information regarding fitness classes, click HERE
MEND
Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!
*2016 In-take*

Date: January 11, 2016 - March 16, 2016
Pre-registration is required, so contact 250-787-5785 if you're interested.

This is a 10 week, family based, program designed to help children and their families get fit and healthy together. Families learn all aspects of nutrition, how to have fun while being active, and making good choices together.

Check out all the details at:
Recreation Programs PSC
Check out all the details for the programs listed below by clicking HERE

Private Skating Lessons 
New to skating or want to brush up on your skills? Contact the Pomeroy Sport Center and ask about private lessons for one-on-one coaching or small group lessons. These are available for all age and skill levels and run on Friday afternoons.

Tumble Time
Bring your family to the Kids Arena Field House and crawl through tunnels, play with sport gear, and to play ball. Don't forget indoor shoes and a water bottle.
Date: Beginning January 6 - Sundays 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:30am - 12:00pm
Important: We are no longer accepting cash for drop in, punch passes can be purchased at the Visitor Center or the North Peace Leisure Pool.

Parent & Tot Skating Lessons
Ready for skates? This Parent & Tot session is perfect for rookie skaters who still need help on the ice. Children MUST wear gloves and a helmet, and snow pants are highly recommended. Parent/Guardian must wear a helmet and clean shoes with grip.
Date: Begins January 6

Boots to Blades
Want to get your little one comfortable on the ice? Boots to Blades is a program where toddlers and children ages 2 - 5 begin lessons in their boots and gradually convert to skates. This program features official lesson instruction and a free play component. Parent participation and preregistration is required, so stop by the Pomeroy Sport Center to enroll.
Date: Begins January 6

Country Dance Lessons - Adult 
Want to brush up on your country dance skills, or just attend a fun and friendly class? These lessons run on Thursday nights and make a perfect after work activity. Preregistration is required and spaces are limited.
Date: Begins January 14

Country Dance Lessons - Youth 
Ages 12 - 16 can join in the country dance fun my attending this class on Tuesdays after school. Have them grab a friend and come on down! Preregistration is required and spaces are limited, so sign up soon.
Date: Begins January 12

Live It Active Around the World Challenge
This 8 week challenge has you logging activities such as hockey, soccer, snow shoeing, skiing, and more. Register online and gain 'steps' to move around the world... plus you'll get entered into weekly draws AND you have a chance to win the grand prize! Call 250-787-5785 for more information.
Date: January 25 - March 18

Winter Photo Contest
Grab your camera and submit pictures of FSJ and the surrounding area by posting to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #LiveItFSJ. Judges will select the best picture each week, not to mention there will be three weekly winners. For more information, check out our WEBPAGE.
Date: January 25 - February 12

Tween/Teen Glow Skate
Get your glow on! We are turning down the lights on the oval and walking track for a glow in the dark skate for tweens and teens. Wear flashy objects, bring glow sticks, and come out for a fun night of skating. Games, snacks, and glow sticks will be provided.
Date: January 29 5pm - 8pm

Pro-D Camps
No school? No problem! We're bringing you Friday Fun Days at the Pomeroy Sport Center. Keep busy with a day filled with pitch activities, skating, swimming, games, crafts, movies, and more. Preregistration is required and spaces are limited so sign up soon!
Date: January 29, February 29, May 13, May 16
Important: This camp is offered for ages 5 - 10 only and children must be enrolled into kindergarten or higher.

Youth Advisory Council Meetings
We want to hear from youth ages 12 - 18. What do youth in FSJ want? What would be the ultimate event? Bring your ideas to our YAC meetings and help us create better events/workshops/programs for youth in FSJ. Meetings take place on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 4:30pm - 5:30pm at City Hall. Contact Lisa for more information at 250-787-5791.

Plan Your BC Vacation Month
Beginning in January and running for six months, stop in at the Visitor Center and share the details of your dream vacation in Super, Natural British Columbia. When you do, you can enter for a chance to win an assortment of prizes!

Looking for public and drop-in skating times? Ice schedules can be found HERE
In This Issue
Fort St. John
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City of Fort St John  |  250-787-8150  |  [email protected]